Young Guardian Angels Help Others
June 4, 2014 - Florida State League (FSL1)
Dunedin Blue Jays News Release
DUNEDIN, FL - "So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you" -Matthew 7:12a.
It is most commonly known as the "Golden Rule." It is a simple principle to understand that is not always so simple to put into action. But for the second graders at Guardian Angels Catholic School, the lesson was easily put into practice, thanks to a few books.
Guardian Angels Catholic School teamed up with the Dunedin Blue Jays for their annual Bookin' it to the Ballpark reading program. Guardian Angels, located in Clearwater, was one of eight participating schools in the program geared towards 2nd grade students that ran from April 14th through May 23rd. The program encourages students to develop consistent out-of-school reading habits, and rewards these students with complimentary ticket vouchers to D-Jays baseball games.
For every 20 minutes of reading, the student gets a `base' on their program-designed bookmark. Every time the student crosses home plate - 80 minutes of reading - they get a `run' for their class and a voucher redeemable for four tickets to a Blue Jays game.
What made the participation of Guardian Angels particularly impressive was the initiative of the students. For the 24 students in the 2nd grade class, reaching their reading requirements to redeem tickets for themselves was simply not enough. They decided to increase their reading efforts, and use this program as a way to support one of the school's charities of choice, 4 Kids Charity. The students read enough minutes to present a group of tickets to underprivileged individuals who are beneficiaries of the charity.
As a result, the Guardian Angels 2nd grade students and individuals from 4 Kids Charity enjoyed a fun-filled group outing to the Dunedin Blue Jays Superhero Night on Saturday, May 24th. The most significant and special detail in this act of compassion is that the initiative came directly from the 2nd grade students.
Blue Jays pitchers Taylor Cole and Ben White supported the reading efforts by visiting the school earlier in May to read to the class, sign autographs and take pictures. To conclude the program, Guardian Angels Catholic School was rewarded with a pizza party, courtesy of Jet's Pizza.
The selflessness and empathyas well as the ingenuityshown by a group of 7-and-8-year-olds is testament to their teachers, their school and of course, their families. It is our pleasure to recognize them for not only their effort within the program, but also for their ability to look beyond themselves and do unto others.
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- Young Guardian Angels Help Others - Dunedin Blue Jays
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